The Keeper of the Door eBook

“Thanks!” Nick’s eyes flashed open
as if at the pulling of a string. “If it
isn’t an empty phrase, I value it.”

“I don’t deal in empty phrases as a rule,”
said Max.

“Quite so. Only with a definite end in
view? I hold that no one should ever do or say
anything without a purpose.”

“So do I,” said Max.

Nick’s eyes flickered over him and closed again.
“Then, my dear chap,” he said, “why
in Heaven’s name make yourself so damned unpleasant?”

“So what?” said Max.

“What I said.” Coolly Nick made answer.
“It’s not an empty phrase,” he added.
“You will find a meaning attached if you deign
to give it the benefit of your august consideration.”

Max uttered a grim, unwilling laugh. “I
suppose you are privileged to say what you like,”
he said.

“I observe certain limits,” said Nick.

“And you never make mistakes?”

“Oh, yes, occasionally. Not often.
You see, I’m too well-meaning to go far astray,”
said Nick, with becoming modesty. “You must
remember that I’m well-meaning, Wyndham.
It accounts for a good many little eccentricities.
I think you were quite right to make her extract that
needle. I should have done it myself. But
you are not so wise in resenting her refusal to kiss
the place and make it well. I speak from the
point of view of the chaperon, remember.”